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2016 Audi A6 engine problems

19 complaints (37% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 33,000.

owner complaints
19
of this car's complaints
37%
typical mileage
33,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Cooling system: pump
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Audi A6 engine problems in other years

199420002005201020152026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Audi A6 engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 7Overheating 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2016 Audi A6 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 10, 2025 · Engine · MA

The water pump on my 2016 Audi A6 has failed multiple times prematurely. The first water pump failed at 36,965 miles in May 2019. That repair was covered under an extended warranty I purchased. The second water pump failed around 83,000 miles in September 2025, and Audi is now quoting me $2,350 out of pocket to replace it. I am now facing a third water pump replacement, which is far earlier than expected for this type of component. These repeated failures create a significant safety concern, as sudden coolant loss can cause the engine to overheat, potentially leading to engine failure or loss of power while driving. Each problem has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Audi service center. The vehicle was inspected by Audi technicians, and repairs were recommended both times. The repeated failure of this critical component strongly suggests a systemic defect with the water pump design on this model. Despite a recent Audi water pump settlement, my vehicle was excluded, even though it has now experienced two failures and is requiring a third replacement.

Filed Mar 25, 2025 · Airbags, Engine · IN

This vehicle had a claim for water pump replacement and the 3.0 model has a recall for the turbo charger. This vehicle is experiencing the same issues and went from 70 mph to 0 and stalled on the freeway. Thankfully the semi and other vehicles were able to avoid me or my family would be reaching out instead of me. Currently the vehicle is parked in my garage because it is unsafe to drive. Can you please advise Audi to take responsibility and offer the same recalls on the 2.0 vehicles for the water pump and turbo charger because they have the same internal parts as the 3.0 vehicles that failed and these parts were covered.

Filed Nov 18, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · TX · fire

Engine area of car caught fire with ignition off

Filed Apr 16, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · IN

I took the vehicle into a repair shop because the check engine light is on. I was advised that the water pump is leaking and it needs to be replaced along with the thermostat. The turbo charger assembly also needs to be replaced. Both of these items appear to be deficient and were listed under recent recalls on similar Audi vehicles and this VIN was not included in either recall. However, it appears to be a similar concern and should be resolved by the Manufacturer.

Filed Aug 16, 2023 · Engine · CA

During annual oil change inspection the mechanic found that the coolant was leaking and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The car has under 48000 miles.

Filed Jul 27, 2023 · Engine · 26,205 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated while having routine maintenance on the vehicle, the independent mechanic became aware that the water pump was leaking. The contact was informed that the water pump, the thermostat assembly, and the upper coolant pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 26,205.

Filed Apr 10, 2023 · Engine · TN

I left a gas station located one mile from my house. All seemed well. I drove into my garage, shut the engine off, and saw steam coming from under the hood. Inspection showed coolant below minimum level. I had the car towed to a garage. The water pump seal and water pump had failed. The thermostat also failed. I had no warning that anything was about to happen. No warning lamps or alarms were presented. Had this happened on the freeway, the engine would have overheated and locked up before I knew that there was a problem. I would have lost control of the car. The mechanic said that this failure at such low mileage, 51, 803, was unusual. My experience is that a failed water pump should not be expected before at least 150,000 miles of use.

Filed Apr 7, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · 48,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that while refueling, the gas nozzle would frequently stop, causing gasoline to leak from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that the fuel tank sensor needed to be moved to another location on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair; however, the contact declined to seek a second opinion. The contact was assured by the dealer that the vehicle was safe to be driven. A few days after leaving the dealer, the vehicle stalled while driving at a slow speed, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed back to the dealer who discovered that fuel had filled up in the evaporation canister sensor which caused the fuel tank and the fuel pump to become defective. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed him that his vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Jan 16, 2023 · Engine · CA

Water pump and engine thermostat malfunction, check engine light is on.

Filed Mar 15, 2022 · Engine · 48,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was overheating and the thermostat needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.

Questions about the 2016 Audi A6 engine

Does the 2016 Audi A6 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Audi A6, 37% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2016 Audi A6 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 33,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Audi A6 engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 2016 Audi A6 problems

Fuel system 9Airbags 8Electrical 8Transmission 5Brakes 4Acceleration 3Driver assistance 3Body 2Steering 2Seat belts 1Seats 1Suspension 1Tires 1Wheels 1

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